Vinblastine is a vinca alkaloid antineoplastic agent. The vinca alkaloids are structurally similar compounds comprised of 2 multiringed units: vindoline and catharanthine. The vinca alkaloids have become clinically useful since the discovery of their antitumour properties in 1959. Initially, extracts of the periwinkle plant (Catharanthus roseus) were investigated because of putative hypoglycemic properties, but were noted to cause marrow suppression in rats and antileukemic effects in vitro. Vinblastine has some immunosuppressant effect. The vinca alkaloids are considered to be cell cycle phase-specific.

Mechanism of action

The antitumor activity of vinblastine is thought to be due primarily to inhibition of mitosis at metaphase through its interaction with tubulin. Vinblastine binds to the microtubular proteins of the mitotic spindle, leading to crystallization of the microtubule and mitotic arrest or cell death.

Taxonomy

Description

This compound belongs to the class of chemical entities known as vinca alkaloids. These are alkaloids with a dimeric chemical structure composed of an indole nucleus (catharanthine), and a dihydroindole nucleus (vindoline), joined together.